Donald Trump announced that 200 entities, including 23 Republican governors and major utilities, have signed his non-binding "Ratepayer Protection Pledge." The pledge aims to ensure US consumers don't pay for AI datacenter build-out costs, but critics dismiss it as an "empty promise" amid rising electricity bills.
Google faces delays with its Gemini 3.5 AI model, impacting its market position, while Chinese startup Moonshot releases a free, open-weight model, intensifying US-China AI competition. Simultaneously, Silicon Valley workers are taking collective action, including lawsuits and petitions, to protect their jobs from AI automation amidst the industry boom.
Residents near New Zealand's first AI datacenter in Makarewa are demanding transparency regarding its significant electricity and water usage, potential noise pollution, and long-term economic benefits, citing concerns about environmental impact and lack of community consultation.
Opposition to AI datacenters is a growing US political theme, but critics argue it distracts from the larger issue of AI companies' concentrated power and influence. While local concerns about resources and environment are valid, the focus should shift to limiting corporate control and wealth accumulation.
A contractor for Meta's AI datacenter in Cheyenne, Wyoming, flushed bacteria-contaminated water into public sewers, leading to new regulations on wastewater disposal. The bacteria, Cupriavidus gilardii, is rare and harmful only to those with weakened immune systems, and did not affect drinking water.
A new report reveals that nearly 80% of datacenters are exposed to extreme climate hazards like flooding and wildfires, impacting operations and costs. Chronic risks like heat and drought affect 54% globally, with the Americas dominating acute risk exposure.
Donald Trump's administration prioritizes AI growth over regulation, evidenced by executive orders and discussions of government stakes in AI firms. Meanwhile, Anthropic advocates for a pause in AI development while pursuing an IPO, raising questions about its safety-first posture.
Nvidia exceeded Q1 2026 revenue and EPS expectations, reporting $81.62bn and $1.87/share respectively. The AI chip giant's datacenter business saw 92% YoY growth to $75.2bn, driven by the global AI infrastructure buildout.
A proposed AI datacenter in Utah, spanning over 40,000 acres and requiring 9GW of power, faces public backlash due to concerns over energy use, water consumption, and impact on the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.
UK government departments DSIT and DESNZ have conflicting projections for AI datacenter electricity consumption by 2030, with DSIT estimating 6GW and DESNZ projecting less than a tenth, sparking criticism over competence and corporate influence.
